3 tips on stair safety for senior citizens

Every year, around 600,000 people in Germany alone visit the emergency room due to fall accidents according to the Federal Statistical Office. These falls can occur both in private settings as well as in public buildings or outdoors. Falling on stairs can have dramatic consequences, such as hip fractures or femoral neck fractures. In this article, we will explore various options on how to make stair climbing safer.

Contents

Stay active

A new study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) shows that inactivity is one of the biggest risk factors for loss of independence. One of the more serious consequences, for example, is injuries from a fall. For seniors and people with impaired gait function, strength training, balance training, and physical activity in general are the measures that have the best-documented effect. Often falls are unfortunately mistakenly seen as a completely natural and therefore unavoidable part of aging. The consequences of a fall not only relate to physical injuries, but also to psychological ones. The fear of falling again, of inactivity, of reduced quality of life, and in the worst case, the fear of premature death are a few examples of this.

Measures

  • There are a variety of studies that show that activity and regular exercise have a significant risk-reducing effect – especially in the case of falls on stairs or on flat ground.
  • Especially strength and balance training have shown a great impact.
  • Studies from Australia show that training twice a week for a whole year can reduce the risk of falls by 30%.

Lighting

Lighting is an important topic to prevent falls. Make sure your stairs are adequately lit to reduce the risk of falling. This way, you can more easily see where the first and last step are and if there are any objects on the stairs.

In addition to adequate lighting, it is recommended to install a contrast strip on each step to increase the contrast between the individual steps. At the same time, one can also consider whether to install a handrail on both sides.

If your bedroom is on the 1st floor, it might be a good idea to keep a flashlight in your drawer – in case the power goes out.

Equip your stairs with the right mobility aids.

When going up the stairs, the TOPRO Step is moved up along the railing system. When the handle is pulled down, it automatically locks in place, providing more grip and safety when climbing the stairs. With each step you take, you typically push the handle an arm’s length ahead of you to create enough distance between you and the handle. Stay independent in your own home. Discover the innovative stair climbing aid that keeps you active and supported – with every step on the stairs. The TOPRO Step stair climbing aid is a mobility aid that provides the necessary support and security on the stairs for people with limited mobility. This innovative stair climbing aid is a purely mechanical device designed specifically for safety and support on stairs. TOPRO Step was developed by engineering students at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in 2012. The development process involved collaboration with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and users. With the TOPRO Step stair climbing aid, you have a solid and firm support when climbing stairs should you consider barrier-free construction. Often, a railing and handrail are not sufficient when mobility is limited. TOPRO Step reduces the risk of falling and gives you confidence in everyday life. The stair climbing aid is moved by pushing the lightweight but sturdy aluminum handle in front of you – similar to a walker. When the handle is pulled down, it automatically locks in place, protecting and supporting you with every step. TOPRO Step is TÜV-certified and CE-marked for users weighing up to 120 kg. The stair aid can be installed on both straight and curved stairs, providing a solid and stable support for both ascending and descending the stairs. TOPRO Step significantly reduces the risk of falling by creating a barrier between you and the stairs. The sturdy and non-slip handrail gives you more confidence in yourself and enhances the safety of your stairs. TOPRO Step can be used not only in private but also in commercial areas, as many publicly accessible buildings have stairs that need to be overcome. Often, a staircase and handrail are not sufficient there. You can find more information, for example, through the Institute for Stair Safety e.V. Information on the topic of barrier-free construction (DIN 18040 and DIN 18065) can be found under DIN 18040-1 Barrier-Free Construction and under DIN 18065 Stairs. Since the product was introduced in 2015, the number of users has quickly grown, and TOPRO Step is also available in Canada as of September 2020. It is both a cost-effective and an active solution for more safety on the stairs – and that in now 20 countries.

TOPRO Step Informationvideo

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